Fish introductions are considered one of the most widespread threats to aquatic ecosystems and native species leading to worldwide declines of amphibian species.
During a survey in Ioannina basin, an area under the protection of the Management Body of Lake Pamvotis, only 10 locations have been reported to sustain populations of the macedonian newt.
The Macedonian newt is an emblematic species protected under the Habitat Directive Annex II, and is distributed in Ioannina basin, Epirus.
At least seven fish species have been identified while some of them are invasive and highly competitive with the native fauna like the mosquitofish and the goldfish.
Fish presence affect the persistence of newt populations
An extensive anthropogenic pressure was found in several of the ponds, that relate to an extensive pollution from residential, industrial and livestock waste, while fish introduction for recreational fish has been observed in several cases.
Preventing the introduction of fish into permanent ponds, and the pollution of water bodies with waste are important actions for the conservation of newt populations and the protection of their fragile habitat.
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